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Lindy Ruff is joining the team he lost to in his only Stanley Cup final appearance.

Stars general manager Jim Nill introduced the former longtime Buffalo Sabres head coach Friday in Dallas after their first choice, Alain Vigneault, was hired by the New York Rangers.

"I'm really excited and really looking forward to helping this club with their resurgence," said Ruff.

The first question from the assembled media was about the disputed overtime Stanley Cup-winning goal by the Stars' Brett Hull during the 1999 final.

"How did I know that was going to be the first question? Again, it's a long time ago," said Ruff. "I said to Jim (Nill) when I first agreed to meet with him, I'll meet with you but we can't meet in the crease.

"I've had some great memories. I've gotten past that. I'm a coach. I want to coach and I think this is an unbelievable opportunity."

Ruff, 53, comes to the Stars with with a 571-432-162 coaching record, all with the Sabres. He is the 12th-winningest head coach in NHL history.